End of an Era

[Enochrome]

People,

Just read on Gizmodo that Panasonic just pulled the plug on the Technics brand.

R.I.P SL-1200 :(

http://gizmodo.com/5675818/end-of-an-era-panasonic-kills-off-technics-turntables

The SL-1200 was the flagship DD.
Is this the end of the direct drive as we know it ?

[dakatabg]

That is bad, me no like :cryin:

[jrhymeammo]

I think they stopped production while back, but not sure if it they had elimited the entire SL12XX models. Before the prices escalate even farther, I went ahead and snatched a SL-1200MK5G. I was a week late to a local Guitar Center, and the price of Mk2 was already up to $1000 a pieace.... Looks like the price had gone below $800 a pop now, but the competition becomes fierce at this price for budget minded audiophiles. Whether you love or hate the legendary DD, this is bad news for all of us.

[kexodusc]

Geez, I thought they killed it years ago. Haven't seen much Technics anything since, hmmm, 2002 or so maybe?
I still have my turntable. Rarely use it, but it does the job when called upon.
I had a Technics receiver in college that I used to drive some Cerwin Vegas. Damn thing ran hot enough to fry eggs on but took a lot of punishment and kept going.
The Harman Kardon I replaced it with played a bit louder and sounded a bit better - but it melted just as the warranty expired.
Think I had a pair of headphones from the 1980's from Technics too at one point. I bet a lot of folks cut their teeth on the Technics brand.

Who's giving the eulogy?

[02audionoob]

...Who's giving the eulogy?

Kevin Barrett (http://www.kabusa.com), I suppose?

[thekid]

Does that mean my SL-1300 and SL-1500 just increased in value....... :D

[02audionoob]

Actually, according to someone at AudioKarma who asked Kevin Barrett via email, there has been no official word. Another AKer said it's only the MK6. So maybe that's all it is and the venerable MK2 will live on. In aany case, I can't see the attraction. For JRA's purposes, I guess I'm in the hate camp.

[poppachubby]

I'll bring the pop, chips and coffin...can someone cover music and nails?